Welcome to the Department of Philosophy

Philosophy lies at the heart of a liberal arts education. Philosophy at Elon marries an exploration of enduring human concerns with a practical purpose to enhance our lives, our communities and our care for the earth.

Philosophical study at Elon focuses on three sets of skills:

critical and constructive thinking: aiding students in identifying, analyzing and offering solutions to problems;

ethical practice: exploring ways to act wisely and effectively in our own lives and with others; and

interpretive understanding: allowing students to bridge the meaning and value systems of diverse individuals, cultures and epochs.

Such skills are valuable for law and leadership, ministry and the helping professions, citizenship and service, and for deepening the quality of our lives. At 40 semester hours, the philosophy major is designed to allow room for a double major or a minor.